Mikel Arteta talks up 'special' Arsenal signing

Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta believes Alexis Sanchez and the other new arrivals at Emirates Stadium are set to make a big impact this season.

Several of Arsene Wenger's summer signings made an appearance in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, when Arsenal beat Premier League champions Manchester City 3-0.

The Gunners were impressive in victory, and Arteta believes the new batch of players will give the side a "surprise factor" in the Premier League.

"Attacking-wise this season, we're going to be more different and we're going to have more of a surprise factor," the Spaniard told the Arsenal website.

"[Alexis] looks very good. He's got pace, he's got that special technique, his feet are so, so quick. He's a bit cheeky on the pitch, he's got those runs, that movement, he's always on the shoulder of a defender and he wants to score goals.

"He has the right attitude here - very humble. He's going to do well - I think the fans are very excited and I think they are right because we've signed some player here."

Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell has returned to North London after a successful spell on loan at Olympiakos, and Arteta believes the forward will be a big part of Wenger's plans for next season.

"I'm very impressed with Joel," Arteta said. "He's got great feet, great technique, he's very creative and he's a young lad who is full of energy and is enthusiastic.

He wants to stay here, he wants to make his stamp here and I think the boss is going to give him a chance."

Arsenal lost a key defender in Bacary Sagna, who signed for Manchester City on a free transfer after his contract ran out this summer. He was replaced by Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers, who joined from Newcastle and Southampton, respectively.

"I'm going to miss Bac because I had a great relationship with him and their family and I think he was someone who is very liked in the changing room," Arteta said.

"On the pitch he was always going to give you a 'seven [out of 10]' and it's hard to find players like this. But Mathieu looks very tough, very strong and he's got desire. The fact that he was playing in front of Bac in the national team, tells you enough about his quality.

Jack Green

I'm Jack, an English Literature graduate from London, trained in journalism at the Press Association. I'm passionate about European football, particularly the Premier League and La Liga. I also love watching and writing about basketball, American football and boxing.